Chateau Neuf and Avignon
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Port
La Joliette (Marseille), France
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$310
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8½ hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Historic Center of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble & Avignon Bridge
"In the 14th century, this city in the South of France was the seat of the papacy. The Palais des Papes, an austere-looking fortress, dominates the city, the surrounding ramparts and the remains of a 12th-century bridge over the Rhone. Beneath this outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms complete an exceptional group of monuments that testify to the leading role played by Avignon in 14th-century Christian Europe."
You will visit the Pavillon Skalli Winery in the Chateau Neuf area for a tasting of three fine wines, along with bread and cheese.
From the vineyard, continue to Avignon -- the city of art and culture in the Vaucluse region. Sprawling along the banks of the Rhône River, Avignon is most famous for being home to the seven popes who chose to reside here during the 14th century, rather than in Rome. Here, you will enjoy a delicious three-course lunch at the Auberge de la Treille (or similar).
In the afternoon, you will visit the Popes' Palace. The incredible palace was constructed primarily during the papacies of Benedict XII and Clement VI and was one of the largest buildings of its time. You will visit the fascinating fortress/residence, which consists of sumptuously-decorated chambers, chapels and passages.
Free time is afforded for you to browse in the charming streets of Avignon before returning to the pier in Marseille.
Please note: Travel time to Avignon is approximately 90 minutes each way. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Minimum age to participate in the wine tasting is 18 years. Video and photography are not allowed in the fresco rooms in the Popes' Palace and inside the St Martial Chapel. There can only be 15 persons at a time inside the St Martial Chapel.